Is Python a Legitimate Data Analysis Tool?

Back in May we discussed using Python, R, and Octave as data analysis tools, and compared the relative strength of each. One point of contention was whether Python could be considered a legitimate tool for such work. Now, Bei Lu writes while Python on its own may be lacking, Python with packages is very much up to the task: "My passion with Python started with its natural language processing capability when paired with the Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK). Considering the growing need for text mining to extract content themes and reader sentiments (just to name a few functions), I believe Python+packages will serve as more mainstream analytical tools beyond the academic arena." She also discusses an emerging set of solutions for R which let it better handle big data.

Comments

Re:really?

[Billly Gates]

No the question is whether it is legitimate.

Then that case Excel because you can email it and share it with colleagues and it is PHB approved.

Re:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betteridge's_Law_o

[jdgeorge]

No.

Working link for subject.
In other news, How hot is vehicle theft is your area?

Python can do anything

[Anonymous Coward]

http://xkcd.com/353/

Re:It Works

[roman_mir]

What does "legitimate data analysis tool" mean?

- obviously it means to ask whether Python is legitimate or is bastard, what do you think it means? It is not asking whether Python is a 'data analysis tool', it is asking whether Python is a legitimate something or other.

So to answer the question you have to look at the Python's descendancy. You'll quickly discover that Python was actually conceived in a huge orgy of different programming paradigms, styles and languages, it's even named after a circus!

I believe the answer is that Python is a bastard of data analysis tools, but so what, bastards are people too.